Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Summer needs the absurd over-the-top Action flick that draws thrill-seeking, popcorn-craving audiences in. While we’ve seen an abundance of Tentpoles, Sequels, and new Movies that have more often than not found their footing, it is nice to find something familiar, something that feels safe. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw is exactly that.
Hobbs & Shaw starts off with newcomer and genuine badass Hattie (Vanessa Kirby) as she is with her MI6 team trying to steal a super virus before it falls into the hands of the evil corporation Eteon, but unfortunately Eteon’s self-dubbed ‘Black Superman’ Brixton (Idris Elba) is on the hunt for it as well. A huge fight breaks out, Hattie secures the virus and becomes the world’s most wanted with one of the most dangerous hitmen out looking for her. Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) & Shaw (Jason Statham) get recruited by two individuals to track-down Hattie and secure the virus, however unknown to both of them they’re going to have to work together to accomplish this, and of course, chaos ensues.
What makes Hobbs & Shaw such an uncharacteristic entry into the Fast & Furious, franchise it is only the second time Vin Diesel has not appeared in an installment, but that’s not so shocking to some. However, Hobbs & Shaw still delivers on every level one expects from a F&F movie, there is plenty of action, crazy amounts of fights, and the Story focuses on a heist in one way or another. The chemistry shared between Statham and Johnson is why everyone is here though, it is incomparable to anything else we’ve seen in this Franchise. Statham who usually is macho and outright ridiculous, gets into essentially a battle of masculinity with Johnson who feels like he’s cutting a wrestling promo the entire Movie which in of itself is quite hilarious. Johnson and Statham really can play on each other, and deliver hilarious one- liners, and deliver performances that make it seem that they’ve both been acting together as a Comedy Duo for years.
Moreover though, it is Franchise newcomer Vanessa Kirby who proves that she is an undeniable badass and definitely fits right in with the two macho heads. As well as Idris Elba seems to be having an undeniable blast with his character, despite playing the role completely serious there is just a joyous charisma he expels into the Movie. Very excited to see potentially more of Kirby and Elba in the Fast & Furious movies to come.
Hobbs & Shaw is some of the most fun you could have at a theatre this summer if you’re looking for a Popcorn Flick. It’s absurd, over-the-top, has that classic Fast & Furious action feel while delivering us a new family of characters and keeping the family we’ve known for eight other movies at bay, and letting these two agents really deliver a signature can of awesome.
Universal Pictures Canada release FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW Friday, August 2, 2019.
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